I won't propose or have a 'big day... having an onscreen wedding was quite enough

Emmerdale's Natalie Ann on tying the knot

- CHRISTINE SMITH

SHE is about to be front and centre of Emmerdale's wedding of the year, but actress Natalie Ann Jamieson will not be heading down the aisle with her real-life love any time soon.

She may have been in a happy relationship with her boyfriend Ali Ward for 14 years, but Natalie Ann is adamant she will not wed, even passing up on the chance to propose herself this leap year on February 29.

When Ali, 36, suggested it, she quickly set him straight. Natalie Ann, also 36, said: "It's funny as leap day fell on the day before I was filming my Emmerdale wedding.

"I replied, "They've just been saying on the news how it's a really outdated tradition. Besides, I am getting married tomorrow at Emmerdale.

One wedding is enough for now"" Viewers are waiting to see whether her Emmerdale character Amy Wyatt will get to have the non-conventional boho wedding of her dreams next week, as her mum Kerry faces a race to find the money to pay for the do.

As our exclusive pictures show, Amy will at least get the dress - and the Dr Martens- of her dreams.

But with statistics showing the average wedding now costs £20,000, Natalie is in no rush to copy Amy.

She said: "I am a very practical person and I've always thought I wouldn't opt for a  traditional white wedding dress, but rather one that I can wear again.